Educators Building Community: How Iroquois High School is Shaping Futures on the South End
Drive south on Taylor Boulevard and you won’t be able to miss it — Iroquois High School. It’s a big presence in the South End, and not just because it’s over a quarter of a mile long. Iroquois stands as a quiet force of pride and purpose. Those who walk the long hallways of Iroquois every day know the heart of this school is inside the classrooms, where passionate educators and resilient students are building something stronger than just academic success—they’re building community.
A School That Feels Like Family
The sense of belonging at Iroquois starts with the staff. Teachers aren’t just experts in their fields—they’re deeply committed to the students they serve. In the health sciences pathway, Jocelyn Williams has taught many of the same students since they were sophomores. Watching them grow into seniors with clear goals and bright futures is, for her, a point of pride. From college acceptance letters to job interviews, these moments of celebration reflect the bond she has with her students and her passion for helping them succeed.
The feeling of connection runs throughout the building. Culinary and Food Sciences teacher Davonte Bolden describes Iroquois as the first workplace that’s truly felt like home. “Everyone is resilient, everyone is compassionate here,” he said. “Iroquois is one big family.”
Experience That Makes a Difference
Career and technical education teachers at Iroquois bring years—sometimes decades—of real-world experience into the classroom. Their teaching goes far beyond textbooks. Masonry teacher Eric Mitchell spent 20 years in the trade before stepping into education. Now, he shows students what it means to take pride in hard work, to build something with their own hands, and to find purpose in the process. “You get to see what you’ve built, and feel the reward of that,” he said.
The same holds true in every pathway, from health sciences to the skilled trades pathways house in the Build Academy. Students learn from professionals who’ve walked the path they’re now exploring. That kind of authenticity is hard to replicate—and it builds trust. Teachers know what it takes to succeed, and students know they’re being prepared not just for graduation, but for life.
Preparing the Next Generation
The Academies at Iroquois are designed to give students a head start on their futures. Each pathway connects directly to high-demand careers, creating opportunities to earn industry certifications, gain hands-on experience, and step confidently into the workforce—or onto a college campus.
Plumbing teacher Matt Robbins sees that preparation every day. “There’s a direct connection between the programs we have here and what a successful student’s next step might look like,” he said. Whether it’s a job offer, an apprenticeship, or higher education, students leave Iroquois ready to contribute, ready to grow, and ready to lead.
Teachers at Iroquois don’t stop caring when students walk across the graduation stage. Many stay connected long after the last bell rings, continuing to mentor and support former students as they navigate what comes next. That’s not just teaching—it’s community.
At Iroquois High School, educators are doing more than teaching lessons. They’re building futures, creating belonging, and strengthening the South End—one student at a time.
